The debate around Decent Work (the concept includes access to employment, workers rights, social protection and social dialogue) as a strategy to contribute to sustainable development is gaining momentum within the EU as well as within the UN system (the June 2006 ECOSOC Ministerial Declaration is the latest example of the growing international consensus on the key role of decent work in development).

At the European level, the European Commission adopted the Communication "Decent Work for All" (on 24 May 2006) and has recently announced its intention to host in December 2006 a conference on Decent Work to discuss its relevance as a strategy to deliver sustainable development in Europe as well as in developing countries.

The Civil Society meeting will focus on the trade aspects of decent work, and will cover similar issues to those discussed in September Roundtable with unions and ILO.

AGENDA

1. Presentations by:

- DG Trade representative: Mr. Petriccione

- Representative from Trade Unions: Mr. James Howard, ICFTU

- Representative from business sector: Emmanuel Julien, Chair of the Corporate Social Responsibility Group